November 3, 2016 - Week 5!

This has been a great week. On Sunday, we watched two pre-recorded MTC devotionals. One by Elder Bednar and one by Elder Holland. I felt numb afterwards... The spirit was so strong. There were so many things that we all felt we needed to work on because Elder Holland and Elder Bednar talked about things missionaries lack, and also about things that make us just great missionaries overall. I took tons of notes, and wish I could type them all in the time that I have, but I'll just give a brief summary. Elder Bednar talked about the Character of Christ, and conversion. Elder Holland talked about the introduction of Preach My Gospel, and how before, there was something wrong with the missionary program because it wasn't personal. He talked about 3 things missionaries don't do well: studying, preparing, and teaching for commitment, and how to do better. It was really great. I love Elder Holland.

On Tuesday, we had a live devotional broadcast from Provo by President Nelson. He said that we are "living Epistles of the Lord". It was a great comforting devotional. 

Halloween was awesome! At the end of the day, we wore costumes that we had made in the days past with old donut boxes and towels and sheets. Elder and Sister Eves of the CCM presidency were standing outside of their door with a box of candy for those who came by (as close as we got to trick or treating), and when we came down with costumes, we got two full sized candies for it... Definitely worth accidentally staying up late the night before to finish our costumes.. haha. We also had "bread of the dead" during lunch, which is just a pastry bread with sugar covering it. It was great! ------- Halloween night we had some fun in our rooms and played BeanBoozled (an elder in our district brought it).. I got lucky the first two rounds and got Peach and Chocolate Pudding, but on the last round I got dead fish... It was the worst.. The smell of my breath made me gag more than the flavor of the Jellybean. At least I didn't have as bad luck as my companion. Elder Leifson got hit hard all 3 rounds and got Barf, Canned Dog Food, AND Dead Fish... That was a gross and interesting night game haha. Fun though.

We had our first TRC this week too, and it's a bit different than what I heard it was, because we were told beforehand if our investigators were actually members or real. Me and my companion only taught members, but two companionships in our district taught real investigators, and placed Book of Mormos, and all felt the spirit strongly. So awesome! I can't wait for that in Peru!

Cool things from this week. Me, Elder Leifson, Hermana Sly, Hermana McCleve (from another district) and Elder Smith (from another district) auditioned to sing in a sunday devotional. I had only practiced once or twice because it was last minute for me to join, so the person doing the auditions said it would be better with a little louder bass (my part) and I agreed. If we get to perform, I'll practice lots more. Wish us luck!

I got some more drawings done this week. Drawing is always fun. I hope I can do it lots in Peru!

Our teacher also wrote a quote on the board this week that said "Losing is a state of mind." How true is that. Just thinking about my mission, the biggest thing we can do is share our knowledge. It is up to the investigators to choose whether to accept it or not. Even if we just plant seeds, it's more than nothing. We can do our best to share the gospel, but everyone has their agency. Have the spirit with you always, and you can perform miracles, on or off a mission.

Hope you all have had a great week! 2 Weeks left here in the CCM then I'm off to Peru!

Con mucho amor,

Elder Bruner

Then later that day ----------------
Today was a great p day again! Got some exercise in the weight room, played volleyball, did a yoga session led by Hermana Harker. We then practiced piano and took some time to relax, polish our shoes, then back to email!

Our costumes! Left to right - Me (Moses), Elder Hobbs (Angel Moroni), Elder Spens in the back (Captain Moroni), and Elder Leifson (Ammon)
The Ten Commandments -- Part of my costume for halloween. I was Moses.
My Drawing I did for Elder Horne.
Elder Horne and his drawing I did for him.
Elder Anderson with the drawing I did for him
Krispy Kreme from Mom and Dad!!
Bean Boozled, and the cream sodas to help get through it. 
Part of the weight room here
The water tower (part of the old school)
The food again. Always a good day when you get meat bits, croutons, AND cheese to put on your salad
Me and my companion

Yoga!
Us chilling playing piano and talking.
A sunrise here. They are so beautiful always. No powerlines in the CCM to block them.
The great amazing clouds here today. Always so great.

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